FIFA Urged to Secure 'ICE Truce' for 2026 World Cup

Human rights groups call on soccer governing body to pause immigration enforcement during tournament

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:03am

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Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, is urging FIFA to secure an 'ICE Truce' during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Worden argues that the aggressive immigration enforcement tactics of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pose a threat to the safety of fans, players, and workers attending the tournament, and that FIFA should follow the precedent of the 'Olympic Truce' to ensure a welcoming environment.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring over 1 million visitors to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Aggressive ICE enforcement actions around past FIFA events have resulted in the detention and deportation of fans and workers, violating their human rights. A 'truce' on immigration enforcement during the tournament could help ensure the safety and freedom of movement for all attendees.

The details

Worden cites examples of ICE agents engaging in 'excessive violence and deploying military-grade weapons' during enforcement operations, as well as data showing that ICE arrested at least 92,392 people in and around the 11 U.S. cities hosting World Cup matches in 2025. She argues that being a World Cup host city should not mean becoming an 'ICE enforcement epicenter.' Lawmakers have introduced bills to restrict ICE operations during the tournament, but the agency has stated that it is a 'key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup.'

  • In January and February 2026, federal agents in Minneapolis shot and killed two U.S. citizens who were protesting and observing immigration enforcement operations.
  • From January to October 2025, ICE arrested at least 92,392 people in and around the 11 U.S. cities hosting World Cup matches.
  • On Feb. 10, 2026, U.S. Congress member Nellie Pou asked ICE if it would pause operations at World Cup matches, but the agency said it is a 'key part of the overall security apparatus.'

The players

Minky Worden

Director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch and the author of this commentary.

Nellie Pou

U.S. Congress member from New Jersey, whose district includes MetLife Stadium where the World Cup final will be played.

Todd Lyons

Acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Renée Good

A U.S. citizen shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis while protesting and observing immigration enforcement operations.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis while protesting and observing immigration enforcement operations.

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What they’re saying

“ICE is a 'key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup.'”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director

What’s next

Congress members from World Cup host states have introduced three bills to block ICE operations during the tournament, including restrictions on ICE presence at public transport and Fan Fests. FIFA has not yet responded to a letter from Human Rights Watch expressing concerns over the potential impact of U.S. immigration policies on the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

The aggressive immigration enforcement tactics of ICE pose a serious threat to the safety and freedom of movement for fans, players, and workers attending the 2026 World Cup. FIFA must take action to secure an 'ICE Truce' during the tournament, following the precedent of the 'Olympic Truce,' to ensure a welcoming environment and protect human rights.